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Wednesday, 18 June 2025

India’s Space Docking Milestone

 India’s Space Docking Milestone

On March 18, 2025, India became the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to successfully demonstrate space docking and undocking capabilities.

ISRO autonomously undocked two satellites, SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), in space, showcasing India’s proficiency in performing complex orbital maneuvers critical for future space missions.

Space Docking is the process of gradually bringing two spacecraft in orbit closer together until they join. This enables the assembly of large spacecraft in space, which would be too heavy to launch in a single mission.

Space Undocking refers to the separation of a spacecraft from a space station or another spacecraft. This ability is vital for India’s upcoming projects, including the Bhartiya Antriksh Station (planned for 2035) and a human mission to the Moon (targeted for 2040). The Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to return lunar soil and rock samples, will rely on this technology.

Historical milestones include:

  • 1966: NASA’s Gemini VIII, commanded by Neil Armstrong, performed the first manual space docking with the Agena vehicle.
  • 1967: The USSR’s Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188 spacecraft achieved the first autonomous docking.
  • 2011: China carried out its first unmanned docking.
  • 2012: China achieved its first crewed docking.

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Uniyala Keralensis

Uniyala Keralensis

On March 18, 2025, researchers confirmed the discovery of a new plant species, Uniyala keralensis (family Asteraceae), in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala.

About Uniyala keralensis:

  • Genus: Uniyala
  • Plant Type: A dense shrub with light purple flowers, growing 1-3 meters tall. It flowers and fruits between August and April.
  • Distinct Features: The plant has larger leaves, longer petioles, and fewer lateral veins compared to U. comorinensis and U. salviifolia.
  • Distribution: Endemic to southwest India, found in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve at an elevation of 700-1,400 meters.
  • Population: Approximately 5,000 individuals across 4 subpopulations spread over 250 km².
  • IUCN Status: Data Deficient (DD)

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve:

  • Location: Situated in the Southern Western Ghats, spanning both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Protected Areas: Includes Shendurney, Peppara, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
  • Biodiversity: Home to 2,254 higher plant species, including 405 endemic species, and notable wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Bengal Tiger, and Indian Elephant.
  • Tribes: Kani tribes inhabit both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • UNESCO Recognition: Recognized under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2016.

Monday, 16 June 2025

Neuroscience of Addiction

Neuroscience of Addiction

Why in News?

A recent study, released during Brain Awareness Week (March 10-16), reveals that addiction involves a complex neural circuit in the brain that affects craving, emotional regulation, and decision-making. This highlights addiction as a chronic brain condition, rather than a moral failing, paving the way for more effective treatment strategies.

How Does Neuroscience Explain Addiction?

  • Role of the Brain in Addiction:
    The study identifies three key brain regions involved in addiction: the basal ganglia, extended amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

    • Basal Ganglia: This region helps the brain repeat pleasurable activities, whether related to food, social interaction, or addictive substances. It works with neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to reinforce rewarding behaviors.

    • Extended Amygdala: It triggers negative emotions such as anxiety, irritability, and discomfort when substance use is stopped, pushing individuals to continue using substances despite the harm.

    • Prefrontal Cortex: This region explains why individuals persist in using substances despite being aware of their harmful effects. It plays a critical role in decision-making, impulse control, and prioritization, making it a key element in addiction.

  • Vulnerability in Adolescence: Adolescence is a crucial period of heightened vulnerability to substance use as the brain is still developing. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision-making, matures last, making teens particularly susceptible to addiction.

Other Factors Contributing to Addiction:

  • Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are genetically more prone to addiction.
  • Psychological Factors: Trauma, stress, and mental health disorders increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.
  • Environmental Influences: Family history, peer pressure, and socioeconomic factors significantly contribute to the risk of addiction.
  • Age of First Use: Early exposure to addictive substances increases the likelihood of developing long-term dependency.

Note:

  • Brain imaging techniques, such as MRI, have revealed structural and biochemical changes in the brain due to addiction.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) and neurofeedback techniques are helping to rewire the brain and promote recovery.

What is Brain Awareness Week (BAW)?

  • About: Brain Awareness Week is observed annually in the third week of March to raise awareness about brain science and its role in understanding biology, preventing diseases, and improving healthcare.
  • It is organized by the Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization in New York dedicated to advancing the neurosciences.

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